Yesterday, teaching at the University of the West of England (UWE) finally started again. I say ‘finally’, as we (Leah and I) have been back in Bristol for some time, having misguidedly thought that uni started again on the 9th of January. While coming back to Bristol two weeks early after the Christmas break was a bit of a pain initially, I have got quite a lot done with the websites and have been at work quite a bit, too.

My first lecture this morning on Policy Making was fine. It had seemed rather simpler than some of the previous lectures, which I was not absolutely sure about. The following seminar was similarly ‘workable’.

After the seminar, I enjoyed a coffee with chums Vicki and Carla before speeding off back home to learn that Leah had booked herself in for a drastic haircut, and as such needed moral support.

Thus, we left for the hairdressers in Fishponds (oh dear, one might think) and got her a brand new fringe! It’s very exciting — no more curtains for Leah Stockton! It looks much better. The hairdresser agreed, adding that she thought the cut was “1000 times better” than before. Modest, too.

After the chop, we had an early dinner / late lunch at the Porto Lounge in Fishponds. It was quite a nice meal for me, though Leah’s pâté was revolting. We shall know not to order that in the future.

When we had finished our food, we went very briefly to the Sandringham to leave a message for Zoe and for a “swift ‘alf”. We then went home and tried to find Jenkins a new job, as she is rather unhappy in her current one.

Anyway, enough about my boring day — shall write more shortly.

Alright. I used to like her a bit. She was alright in the Big Brother 3 series where she actually belonged; she seemed like a harmless enough girl with no brains and no agenda. I have even defended the troll against the beautiful Boofter before. Yet I had my head in shame.

I must admit to have avoided Celebrity Big Brother. I tend to watch the initial episode where they enter the house and just say ‘meh’. This year, the publicity has been such that one has grasped the concept without seeing it. Jade Goody has ripped any sympathy she drew before by becoming, or being, an egomaniacal t*at whose only concern was self-promotion (on whatever level).

That someone who was bullied becomes a bully does not make a justifiable end. Goody has left me down, the nation down, and most of all, the nation down (purely for Jenkins benefit).

The stuff she has said to the f*cking fabulously gorgeous Asian hottie that is Shilpa Shetty is beyond provincial. Shilpa, from what I have seen, has handled herself with grace and dignity.

The nastiest thing I can say to Jade is that you’re done now. You’ll no longer have even the sympathy you had before — career over.

Ciao!

Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson for winning the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ award at the Golden Globes. She won the award in her debut film performance playing Effie White in the movie version of the hit musical ‘Dream Girls‘ which also stars Beyoncé Knowles.

I am really pleased for her, as she was my favourite on the American Idol season 3. I loved Fantasia too, but Jennifer Hudson was my favourite.

I remember when she sung ‘Heatwave’ it really showed her vocal capabilities. She was kind of an underdog on the show as well, having only been given a chance to get through to the finals of the show because of Randy Jackson selecting her as a wild card. Simon Cowell never seemed to particularly like her; though his view of her seemed to become more approving shortly before she was thrown off the programme when the ‘three divas’ made up the bottom three.

Anyway, I am yet to see Dream Girls, but I am sure I shall love it. Congratulations once again, Jennifer!

So, what should I do when (if) I graduate this year? Do I go back to Barnstaple and hope for the best, or do I stay in Bristol and try and get a job here.

One thing I was thinking, as I discussed with Zoe (my fabulous manager), and some other folks, was the possibility that I work full-time at the Sandringham for a bit, while casually looking for a full-time job in something related to my degree. I could then support myself (ie. I would not need M & D financially, as I do now), I could stay in a city which I am yet to properly explore (thanks for pointing that out, Rusty!), and all the silly reasons, too.

I love working at the Sandy and I love the friends I have made there. I really only have three good friends at uni thus far. The Wife included.

I just don’t know what I will do after that? More uni? Computers? Politics? Journalism? Law? I am so confused!

Jess, what do you think I should do? (Other readers welcome to input advice!)

Leona Lewis, of whom I am a fan (though was not sad enough to vote for on The X-Factor) is to appear on the premiere showing of the huge American TV show American Idol in the coming week.

How we rejoiced. Now she will be big and successful in America. I guess that’s ok, she’s a very good singer and should be fun to watch become famous.

“American Idol has produced winners such as Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia, and so Leona’s appearing on the premiere of the show on Wednesday is a very significant acheivement.”

Leona Lewis

And some more information on Leona’s performance:

“X Factor winner Leona Lewis is hoping to kickstart her US career by making a guest appearance on American Idol.

Having conquered the UK and topped the Number One spot since Christmas, judge Simon Cowell is reportedly hoping to showcase his latest prodigy in the States.

The singer is hoping to put an appearance in on the show when it kicks off in the US next week with a special two-part premiere.

The new series will feature 170 singers which will eventually be whittled down to the final 24.

Leona held on to the top spot in the revamped official UK chart for the second week in a row with A Moment Like This.

The X Factor winner’s debut single, which is a cover of previous American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, became the fastest-selling download of 2006.”

ITV News

More soon, loyal readers!